Open Sailing
Open Sailing Hours
Members of the Duluth-Superior Sailing Association have free access to our day sailer fleet during open sailing hours from June through September. They may captain any boat on which they have demonstrated competency, or may sail as crew with another member. You can check our current open hours on our pier calendar. The pier will close in inclement or unsafe weather conditions. Last minute closures will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages along with being indicated on our pier calendar.
2026 Open Sailing Starts June 8th! Week Days 2pm-8:30pm, Weeks Days during youth camp sessions 4:30pm-8:30pm. Saturdays from June 13th – August 15th 2pm-8:30pm, Saturdays from August 22nd – October 17th 10am-4:30pm.
Members with cruise boat experience and training can reserve our auxiliary powered cruise boats outside of opens sailing hours or during open sailing. Learn more on our cruise boat page.
Day Sailer Fleet
Optimist and Optimist Pram
Safe enough for a 7 year old to use, and technical enough for a 15 year old to master. The Optimist is a great dinghy for young new sailors to learn how to sail a boat independently.
Lasers
An Olympic class boat, this is one of the world’s best-selling racing boats. It places emphasis on the skill of the sailor. We have a fleet of 10 lasers. Laser races are hosted on Friday nights throughout the season!
2.4M
The 2.4M is great for adaptive sailing and solo sailing since the sailor doesn’t need to move while sailing the boat. All the controls for the 2.4M can be used from within the cockpit. We have three 2.4M that we use for our adaptive programs and more!
Interlake
18′ club racers that can provide a nice relaxed day sail with the family, or an exciting ride in solid wind! Used for lessons and youth camps.
Soling
The Soling is a day racer/sailor which was designed in 1965 and was selected for the Olympics from 1968-2000. The Soling is a strong boat designed for any wind and sea conditions and is a blast to sail.
O’Day Mariner and Day Sailers
We have three 19′ O’Day day sailers at the DSSA. These jib and main day cruisers are great boats for an easy family sail. They are relatively stable and easy to handle making them compatible for beginner sailors.
Flying Scot
A 19′ centerboard fractional sloop that is great for day sailing and racing. Fits four sailors comfortably, also used for private lessons and youth camps. Donated in 2019.
Yngling
A 20′ fractional sloop keelboat that is agile and seaworthy. Great for a heavy wind cruise! Designed for 3 sailors to sail. We have two Ynglings that are set up for match racing with spinnaker sets. Also used for private lessons and youth camps.
Optimist and Optimist Pram
“A dingy that breeds the best sailors.” Safe enough for a 7 year old to use, and technical enough for a 15 year old to master. The Optimist is a great dinghy for young new sailors to learn how to sail a boat independently. The DSSA has a fleet of 8 Optimists.
Lasers
An Olympic class boat, this is one of the world’s best-selling racing boats. It places emphasis on the skill of the sailor. We have a fleet of 10 lasers. Laser races are hosted on Friday nights throughout the season!
2.4M
A one-person keelboat named after the 12 Metre yachts that were used at the Americas Cup. The 2.4M is great for adaptive sailing and solo sailing since the sailor doesn’t need to move while sailing the boat. All the controls for the 2.4M can be used from within the cockpit.
Interlake
18′ club racers that can provide a nice relaxed day sail with the family, or an exciting ride in solid wind! Used for lessons and youth camps.
Soling
The Soling is a day racer/sailor which was designed in 1965 and was selected for the Olympics from 1968-2000. The Soling is a strong boat designed for any wind and sea conditions and is a blast to sail.
O’Day Mariner
This 19′ day cruiser was donated in 2014 and is a great boat for an easy family sail. It is relatively stable and easy to handle.
Flying Scot
A 19′ centerboard fractional sloop that is great for day sailing and racing. Fits four sailors comfortably, also used for private lessons and youth camps. Donated in 2019.
Yngling
20′ fractional sloop keelboat great for a heavy wind cruise! Also used for private lessons.
Friday night youth race clinics are open to all youth interested free of charge! Race Clinic’s will be from 5:30pm-6:30pm topics will be intro to racing sailboats: right of way rules, start sequence/starting a race, basic tactics, rounding racing marks, different racing courses, and more! Youth that have experience sailing lasers are welcome to sign up for the race series that follows the clinic for Fleet A (Advanced) or Fleet B (Beginner). Youth sailors will need a DSSA youth, family, or day membership ($20) to participate on the water. Racing will be from 7pm-9pm. Youth that are interested that don’t have laser experience can take lessons, sign up for DSSA youth camps before the series, or potentially join another experienced racer on a laser! This clinic and race series will be hosted by the DSSA along with DYC members. Please contact the DSSA Waterfront Director to sign up for the race series for Fleet A or B. Last minute drop ins are welcome but signing up will confirm a race spot to start the series.
Youth Race Clinic and Laser Series Schedule 2026
July 24th 5:30pm – 9pm
July 31st 5:30pm – 9pm
August 7th 5:30pm – 9pm
Note: Sailors can participate in all three nights of the race series or individual nights of the series.
We partner with Northland Adaptive Recreation to provide sailing experiences and lessons for people with disabilities. We have proper equipment to handle most needs. For more details on Northland Adaptive Recreation contact 218-337-4120 or email infoNAR@mdfoundation.org
Duluth Blind Sailing is a new program that started in 2025. We partner with Lighthouse Center for Vital Living and Twin Cities Blind Sailing Club. Duluth Blind Sailing sails every other Thursday evening during our sailing season. For more information please reach out to the DSSA email.
COMMUNITY SAILING
Our programs are open to community organizations. If you are interested in providing a sailing experience for your youth, adult, or work group, contact us for scheduling and pricing. Reduced rates are available to organizations that serve individuals with financial need.
